FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND THE SCREEN
Before using the program familiarise yourself with the basic screen layouts in Fast Estimate.
The table is the principle window for viewing and editing your data. The same basic concepts outlined below apply to all forms used in Fast Estimate so its worth spending some time to familiarise yourself. All buttons have hints which appear when the cursor is placed over the button.
To demonstrate a typical layout, open the Library, Items table (tab)
There are several different components on the screen:
Menu
Located at the very top of the screen is a standard menu bar, displaying the main options and listing any sub-options in drop down lists.
Primary Buttons
The main buttons are always displayed on the left of the button bar (a vertical line separates). These allow you to select the principle program features.
Secondary buttonsThese are displayed to the right of the main buttons, divided by a vertical line. These offer access to the functions available for the current form.
Note: The selection of buttons available will change as the currently selected table is changed.Tree Selector
This is where you select your data page from the structured file. This works in a similar way to the familiar Microsoft Explorer, just click on a branch to expand / select and view the sub-branches / data. more
Main Data Table
The principle work area of the form, containing one or more rows of data. Other 'Extended Data' windows may be opened and placed around (or over) the main window.
Status Bar
Displays status information for the currently loaded form as follows:
Mode - Edit (enter/change data) or Read Only.
Data Stamp - The user initials, date and time of last change to the current record.
Description - Some forms (e.g. Resources) display details of the record at the current table position.
Working with Tables
The table is the principle work area of the Fast Estimate system.
Data records are displayed on tables in rows according to
the order in which they have been arranged or inserted by
the user.
Highlights offer a simple way of making you aware of items that need attention of which have notes attached.
Views: Some tables offer a range of specific views of the table data e.g. Net and Gross values
Other data selectors may also be turned on for some tables
Certain functions are common to all tables and these are detailed below:
Adding / Inserting New Records
If you wish to enter a new record at the end of the table move to the last line and start typing in the first column. A new data row record will be created. Edit this row as required.
To insert rows within the table at specific locations, move to the required position and click the New button or press [Insert] on the keyboard or click the 'New' button. This will insert a new row above the currently active position. Any records which require a name will be allocated a default name of 'New <data type>'. Enter the new row details as required by pressing TAB to move to the next cell; using the arrow keys or the mouse.
You can use any case combination in most cases.Amending Data Within The Table
Any editable data cell within the table can be amended by simply over-typing in the existing cell data. Pressing F2 or double-clicking will initiate edit mode. There are certain cells on data rows which are calculated and which may not be amended by the user. There are also data cells which have their values calculated elsewhere within the database. The data in these read-only cells is coloured Teal (a blue/green colour). Double clicking with the mouse on any Teal coloured data cell will normally take you to the source of the calculation where you may be able to make further changes.
Block Mark
Certain functions can be applied to a group of rows simultaneously. This is achieved by 'block marking' the required group of record rows. To block mark a group of rows, click the left mouse button on the first row in the required group, then holding down the Shift key, click on the last row of the block. If you wish to include all rows in the table, left click the mouse in the column header row.
Deleting Data Records
Highlight the row or block mark the rows to be deleted and click the Delete button or press [Delete] on the keyboard.
Cut, Copy and Paste
These functions work in the same standard way as other software. Use them to move table rows within and between pages (restrictions may apply on some types of data).
Moving Rows
In most tables you can move individual rows by simply placing your mouse over the left column until a horizontal bar is displayed under the pointer. Then simply hold down the left mouse button and drag the row to he new location.
Saving Data Changes
All data changes (and table configuration settings) are saved automatically simply by exiting the form.
Sorting Table Entries
You can sort tables by double-clicking on the column header you want to sort on
Customising Columns
You can adjust the width of individual columns and windows in order to more clearly display the information that is most relevant to you. Your settings are saved on exit.
To reset, use the Default Column Width option within Table Properties.
Table Properties
A set of buttons on the right of the table allow you to change the way the table is displayed (and how much of it). Table Properties refer to the currently selected table
Right-Click Menus
With the mouse cursor over the table area, click the right mouse button to display a menu of common functions available for the current form.
Grid
Grid lines separating rows and columns may be displayed to assist the user in positioning the table cursor. Table grid settings may be changed to suite individual requirements
Charts
Use charts to view your data in the form of a pie chart, bar chart or other at-a-glance formats
Customising Your Screen Layout
You can customise your screen layout in a manner that makes it easiest for you to see the key information you need without having to change your view. Each window that is loaded can be resized and positioned to suite your screen and your needs. This arrangement will be saved and reloaded the next time you use this Schedule view.